Myths about Flu and the Flu Jab"Ive had the flu jab and it actually gave me flu"

The flu jab does not give you the flu. Some people can experience side effects that feel a bit like flu but these go away after a day or two. The part of the flu virus in the jab given to adults in the UK is inactivated and so cannot cause the flu. The jab does take around 2 weeks to become fully effective, so you could catch flu until your immunity has built up. It is best to have the flu vaccine at the start of the flu season in the Autumn, but its still worth getting vaccinated any time before the end of the flu season.

"Flu is just a bad cold, isnt it?"

No! Its much more than that! Headaches, a high temperature and a sore throat may make it feel like a cold, but your also likely to have muscle aches, feel shivery and be too weak to even get out of bed. Flu can also develop into more serious illness - such as Pneumonia or Bronchitis, and some people have to be admitted to hospital with flu complications.

"You only get a bad bout of flu if you're old or unwell"

While its true people in poor health are more at risk, anyone canb develop severe flu symptoms. Some people (such as the elderly or pregnant women) are at increased risk of flu complications, even if they are in good health.

Pneumococcal Vaccine
The Pneumococcal vaccine is also available for patients at risk or over 65 years old. This can be given at the same time as your flu vaccine.

Nasal Spray Vaccine

Children aged under 18 years old and in an at risk group will be eligible to receive a Nasal Spray Vaccine. The surgery will be holding drop in clinics after school on select dates throughout October. Please speak to a receptionist to find your nearest date. To find out if your child is eligible to receive the vaccine please click the following link. Is my Child Eligible for a Nasal Spray Vaccine?

Children who are aged 2 and 3 years old on 31st August 2017 will be vaccinated at the surgery

Children who are in Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 of School will be vaccinated in School. Please inform all parents to speak to the school to find out when they will be immunised.
The school vaccines will be beginning in October and running until the end of November. Parents will be sent a vaccination consent form by the school in September – If parent does not return the consent form to the school their child will not be immunised.